: Painful diabetic neuropathy poses a devastating health burden, with one-third of diabetic patients being afflicted. Currently, most of the neuropathic pain drugs have shown insufficient efficacy, significant adverse reactions and poor patient compliance. Striving for improved neuropathic pain therapies is necessary in diabetic patients. This study aimed to investigate the potential antinociceptive effect of eupatilin, a natural flavonoid, against persistent neuropathic pain associated with diet-induced type 2 diabetes, and probe mechanism(s). C57BL6J male mice were fed with a high-fat diet for 8 weeks to induce type 2 diabetes. The von Frey test and the acetone test were used to assess pain-like behaviors, shown as neuropathic allodynia to mechanical and cold stimuli, respectively. Redox and bioenergetics-related mechanisms were investigated in vivo and in vitro. Chronic eupatilin therapy not only ameliorated the established symptoms of mechanical and cold allodynia in mice with type 2 diabetes, but also decelerated pain development given preemptively at low doses. Although eupatilin did not impact metabolic features (body weight, food intake, blood glucose, glucose tolerance, glycosylated haemoglobin and insulin) in diabetic mice, it improved mitochondrial bioenergetics in dorsal root ganglion neurons, alleviated exacerbated oxidative stress in pain-associated tissues, and restored nerve conduction velocity and blood flow in sciatic nerves. Notably, the pain-alleviating actions of eupatilin were modified by pharmacologically manipulating mitochondrial bioenergetics and redox status. These findings uncover the analgesic activity of eupatilin, an effect that suggests a causal association with its bioenergetics-enhancing and antioxidant effects, in mice with diet-induced type 2 diabetes.

Epilepsy treatments often lead to vitamin D (VitD) deficiency. Although vitamin D₃ (VitD) has been shown to reduce epileptic symptoms by 43%, its preventive effects remain unclear. This study investigated the potential of VitD pretreatment in two common acute epilepsy mouse models and explored its effects on seizure severity, latency, and molecular mechanisms involving calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), and autophagy.

Current researches suggest that the microbiota-gut-brain axis plays a critical role in modulating human cognition and emotion, particularly in the context of psychiatric disorders. Probiotic fermented dairy products have been shown to regulate gut microbiota composition and alleviate depressive symptoms; however, the underlying mechanism and associated metabolic pathways remain unclear. In this study, we compared the effects of probiotics (Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus bulgaricus) fermented yogurt on chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced anxious and depressive-like symptoms in mice, as well as discussed potential mechanisms. Behavioral tests revealed that both L. reuteri and L. bulgaricus fermented yogurt significantly alleviated these symptoms. We also observed that Lactobacillus fermented yogurt exerted an overall neuroprotective effect in the hippocampus and helped maintain normal cerebral activity. L. reuteri and L. bulgaricus fermented yogurts were also observed to ameliorate the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters and inflammatory cytokines via inhibiting the activation of the NF-κB pathway accompanied by elevating the CREB-BDNF pathway. Our findings suggest that L. reuteri and L. bulgaricus fermented yogurts may modulate gut microbiota composition and host metabolism, thereby performing neuroprotective effects and ameliorating depressive behaviors in mice by at least partially microbiota-gut-brain axis. These findings have important implications for understanding the antidepressant mechanisms of fermented dairy products that target the intestinal microbiota and provide a promising new way for the development of novel treatments for depression.

This study, using the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey 2021 (YRBS 2021) focused on exploring the sex differences in the associations between sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) (soda and sports drinks) and cognitive difficulties (memory, concentration, and decision-making); as well as the mediation effect of sleep on the associations.

Sleep problems are a common complaint among adults worldwide, however, the use of prescription and over-the-counter products may not always be an appropriate or desirable solution. L-theanine is a naturally occurring, non-protein amino acid that can be found in the leaves of the tea plant . Previous studies have reported that consumption of L-theanine can help to aid relaxation, without causing sedation or adversely impacting cognitive function. Building on these calming effects and results from recent pre-clinical studies, the aim of this review was to systematically appraise the scientific literature to establish whether dietary supplementation with L-theanine can also help to support sleep in humans. Electronic database searches of Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, CENTRAL and Google Scholar were conducted from inception to 3rd February 2025. Retrieved articles were independently reviewed by three authors. Thirteen eligible trials ( = 550) that examined the effect of L-theanine (50-900 mg/day) as a standalone intervention on sleep-related outcome measures were identified. This included two single-arm, open-label trials and eleven randomised controlled trials. Based on the current evidence, supplementation with 200-450 mg/day of L-theanine appears to be a safe and effective way to support healthy sleep in adults. Among the included trials, beneficial effects were reported on both objective and participant-reported outcomes, including measures linked to sleep latency, maintenance and efficiency, perceived sleep satisfaction and feelings of refreshment and recovery on waking. Further high-quality trials using objective measures, into the mechanisms underlying these effects, and among those with clinical insomnia would provide further useful insights.

Branched chain amino acids (BCAA) are essential amino acids that include leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Recent studies indicate that BCAAs might influence cognitive health. This systematic review aims to examine the impact of BCAAs on cognitive function.

Depression affects millions globally, prompting the search for novel treatments. Natural compounds like spice oleoresins show promise due to their bioactive constituents. This study explores the use of Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPBCD) for nano-encapsulation to enhance the efficacy of pepper, turmeric, and chilli oleoresins in alleviating depression in a mice model. Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) was induced for 28 days, followed by administering nano-encapsulated oleoresins (25 mg/kg). Behavioural analyses revealed improved activity, while neurochemical studies showed increased serotonin and dopamine levels with reduced monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity. Western blot highlighted changes in BDNF, supported by histopathological evidence of neuroprotection. Biochemical assays indicated reduced oxidative stress, acetylcholinesterase activity, and enhanced catalase and superoxide dismutase levels. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed improved gut microbiota, with increased beneficial bacteria. Notably, nano-encapsulated chilli oleoresin exhibited the highest efficacy. These findings support the multi-targeted potential of nano-encapsulated spice oleoresins as complementary treatments for depression, addressing neurobiological and gut-related factors.

Recent research highlights the central role of emotion in psychopathology, with Panksepp's identifying seven primary emotional systems critical for mammalian survival. Although this framework has advanced understanding of disorders such as depression and addiction, its application to eating pathology remains limited.

Postnatal epilepsy often arises after periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) in preterm infants and resists to treatment. Its underlying mechanisms and potential preventive strategies remain unclear. Probiotics, known to alleviate microbial dysbiosis and reduce inflammation, may offer therapeutic benefits. PVL injure was conducted using a combination of hypoxia-ischemia and lipopolysaccharide treatment. The rats were evaluated for seizure susceptibility, neuroinflammation, GABAergic neurons, and gut microbiota composition before and after probiotic administration. The probiotic formulation included Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium breve in galacto-oligosaccharide and Fructooligosaccharides. PVL rats exhibited microgliosis, reduced density of premyelinating oligodendrocytes, and decreased myelin expression (all  < 0.05). At postnatal days 85-90, these rats showed a significantly higher frequency of electrographic seizures and longer total seizure duration ( < 0.05). A significant reduction in cortical GABAergic neurons, particularly somatostatin-positive interneurons, was also observed in PVL rats compared to controls ( < 0.01). Treatment with probiotics restored GABAergic neurons and significantly reduced seizure frequency and duration ( < 0.05). Additionally, probiotics modulated gut microbiota composition and increased levels of butyric acid in both fecal samples and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) ( < 0.05). Probiotic treatment also reduced cortical microglial activation and lowered CSF levels of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α. Probiotic supplementation may reduce seizure activity following PVL brain injury by mitigating neuroinflammation and restoring GABAergic neurons via the gut-brain axis. These findings suggest that probiotics could serve as a promising adjuvant therapy for preventing epilepsy after PVL.

High-fat diet is well-known to contribute to systemic and central nervous system dysfunction and represents a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline. A recent surge of new weight loss medications has demonstrated that caloric restriction by reduced overeating has been successful at mitigating peripheral markers of inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. However, less is known regarding such effects of dietary reversal within the brain.

Activities of daily living (ADL) disability and dementia are major contributors to the growing burden of ageing-related public health challenges in China.

Stress in day-to-day life affects the body system differently by altering homeostasis and biological processes. The foremost sign of chronic stress-induced disorders is reflected in behavioral activity. Chronic stress affects the brain negatively, it modulates neurobehavioral activity and impairs the associated activities like learning, memory, and cognition. Emerging evidence suggests that virgin coconut oil (VCO), is an abundant source of natural antioxidants with anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and neuroprotective potential. However, VCO's efficacy in ameliorating chronic restraint stress-induced abnormal changes is rarely understood. Hence, we aimed to evaluate VCO's neuroprotective potential in attenuating chronic restraint stress-induced neurobehavioral and biochemical alteration in rats.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a pivotal role in regulating energy balance. While ECS activation stimulates appetite and increases preference for palatable food, it also enhances energy expenditure by motivating physical activity. This study investigated the impact of two key energy balance modulators - consumption of a palatable diet and the practice of aerobic physical activity - on the expression of CB1 receptor and NAPE-PLD enzyme in the rat brain.

There is a serious conflict in the literature regarding the relationship between Omega-3 fatty acids and the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, the relationship between Alzheimer's and dietary omega-3 fatty acids has not been explored in the Middle East region.

This review aims to evaluate the impact of food additives on brain tissue, focusing on oxidative stress-related mechanisms and their role in neurodegeneration.

The gut microbiota refers to a complex and essential ecosystem comprised of over 100 trillion microbial cells. The microbiota, the gut, and the brain together create an association which is vital to host health, 'the microbiota-gut-brain axis,' and coordinate the gut with the central nervous system to modify cognitive function and brain immune homeostasis. This bidirectional talk between the gut and brain operates via the immune system, the enteric nervous system, as well as various microbial metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and proteins. Recent studies have suggested an important role for the gut microbiota in many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). The neuropathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease consist of beta-amyloid plaques, tau hyperphosphorylation, neurofibrillary tangles, glial activation, and neuronal and synaptic loss.

Exposure to elevated levels of fluoride from environmental or dietary sources can lead to toxic effects on the nervous system. This work examined the potential of hesperidin, a citrus-derived flavonoid recognized for its neuroprotective actions, to counteract NaF-induced toxicity in the rat cerebellum.

The rising prevalence of cognitive decline linked to obesity is becoming a significant public health issue. Epidemiological studies indicate that a higher intake of fruits and vegetables (F&V) may be associated with a lower risk of cognitive impairment, although the evidence for the causal relationship is lacking. This study examined whether F&V supplementation could prevent cognitive decline in mice with high-fat diet-induced obesity.

Altered eating behaviors may precede the onset of full-scale eating disorders. Given the link between eating disorders and migraine, it is critical to identify individuals with migraine with altered eating behaviors. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate eating behaviors in a sample of migraine patients and to examine their potential associations with migraine frequency and related disability.

This review addresses dietary intervention for secondary stroke prevention. The review focuses on gut dysbiosis, innate and adaptive immune system, ischemic brain injury, proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, mast cell degranulation, and blood brain barrier disruption. We investigated mitochondrial dysfunction, mast cells degranulation in conjunction with poststroke and alterations in gut microbiota. We discussed gut dysbiosis in conjunction with poststroke and the two-way gut-brain interactions. We evaluated the mechanisms underlying the involvement of dysbiosis in stroke and poststroke development including immune-mediated inflammatory responses, variation in blood-brain-barrier and intestinal barrier function, and reciprocal effects of microbial metabolites. We analyzed the nutrigenomic effects of the main cooking methods proposed for poststroke individuals and performed a comparative analysis of the nutrigenomic properties of the Mediterranean Diet and other Blue Zones healthy diets such as the Okinawa and Nordic diets. Evidence in animals and humans is emerging about the interplay of gut microbiota before stroke including dysbiosis before stroke and stroke-induced dysbiosis. We proposed poststroke diet with dietary bioactive compounds from healthy plant-based foods, supplements, and appropriate cooking methods that will reestablish eubiosis and ameliorate the neurological and neuropsychiatric deficits in poststroke patients. Interventions to address the intersectionality of diet, gut microbiota and stroke and recommendations for food texture modifications in post-stroke dysphagia may help mitigate the downstream effects of acute and chronic inflammatory and immune damage. The inclusion of dietary research intervention trials not limited to DASH, MIND, and the ongoing NOURISH trial may help further progress in the clinical treatment of stroke.

To comprehensively evaluate the therapeutic potential of anthocyanins in animal models of Alzheimer's disease (AD).